How could a murderer let his daughter die in vain? He grabbed his weapon and beat his son-in-law to death. His family tried to stop him, but the murderer had some martial arts background, and no one could hold him back. Just as someone was about to die, his so-called son-in-law revealed that the landlady had given him some silver, asking him to take his wife's life. He thought this silver was enough to marry ten wives and for his family to live in peace and prosperity. After a long hesitation, he hardened his heart and accidentally beat her to death.
At that moment, his chest was filled with rage. He beat the son-in-law to death without regard for the consequences, then secretly hid a knife and sneaked into the landlady's house that night, killing both the landlady and her husband.
After committing the murders, seeing the shocked eyes of the crowd, he felt a bit of regret. It wasn't regret for avenging his daughter, but rather for his impulsiveness. He had killed several people in front of so many people and should have settled his family first before seeking revenge. But it was too late now.
The murderer had a conscience. He often worked in the city and had heard some gossip, such as the feud between Magistrate Li and his own son. Seeing that the person holding the cane and making him crash into it was Magistrate Li, he understood their identities. Moreover, Magistrate Li had been in the city for so many years and had done nothing good, but a lot of bad deeds. So, without much hesitation, he nodded in agreement.
The next morning, as soon as Magistrate Li stepped out of his house, preparing to get into his carriage, a wild horse suddenly charged out and crashed into him without hesitation.
Due to the close distance and the horse's speed, he had no time to dodge and could only fly through the air and fall to the ground under the horrified gaze of the crowd.
In the last moment of his life, he remembered the past, when he wanted to end Wang Yumeng's life in a similar way but failed. He never expected to meet his end in such a manner.
Yes, he clearly felt his life draining away, and the outcome was as he had imagined. Not long after, white banners hung over the Li family's residence.
The saddest person in the Li family was the concubine who was newly pregnant. She had been waiting to bear a son for her husband to improve her status and inherit the Li family's fortune. She never imagined that her husband would die so suddenly. The person who hit him also crashed into the wall with the carriage and died on the spot.
Comically, others were not particularly concerned about his death. Magistrate Li's parents, sending their son to the grave while they were still alive, were heartbroken. However, they knew more clearly that they didn't know if the child in the concubine's womb was a boy or a girl, nor if it could be born. At this moment, the most pressing concern was who would gain control of the Li family's power.
Wu Lian'er, who had always stayed out of worldly affairs, immediately emerged upon hearing the news, wanting to take charge. Li Changqing and Liu Wenwen naturally did not want to be left behind. In the past, they would not have dared to contend with Wu Lian'er, as she had a powerful backer and was ruthless. But times had changed. Her backer was gone, and she was currently the only direct descendant of the Li family, making her the rightful heir.
Wu Lian'er was not foolish. If that incident had not happened, perhaps the two sides could have coexisted peacefully without interfering with each other. But after that incident, reconciliation was impossible. If the power fell into his hands, she would surely not survive in the Li mansion. She had to fight for it, no matter what.
Wu Lian'er went to Li Zixin's study first and walked directly to the place where he kept the land deeds and property deeds. After searching for a long time, she finally found what she was looking for, quickly clutched it to her chest, and hurried out.
As she reached the courtyard, she bumped into Magistrate Li's parents. Seeing her bulging embrace, they immediately shouted, "What did you take from my son's study?"
Wu Lian'er ignored them and tried to walk past them with her people. Mother Li was displeased. She stepped forward to grab Wu Lian'er and reached into her embrace to snatch the items.
At first, Wu Lian'er's confidantes did not react. After all, no one expected Mother Li to personally snatch the items, disregarding her status. Once they reacted, they quickly tried to pull Mother Li away. The maidservant beside Mother Li was equally determined, and soon several people were pulling and tugging at each other.
Wu Lian'er's side had more people, as many were her dowry maids, all dedicated to protecting her. With the help of the maids, she quickly broke free. While they were all on the ground, she quickly ran back to her courtyard.
"If you don't leave the things behind, you're not leaving," Mother Li threatened loudly, unable to break free after several attempts.
Wu Lian'er's people would not let her catch up to their mistress. They held her firmly. Estimating that their mistress had reached her courtyard, they all let go in unison, quickly bowed and apologized to Mother Li, and then, regardless of her attitude, they hurried back.
Mother Li rubbed her arms and legs, which were sore from their pulling, and tears welled up in her eyes. Then, with her people, she angrily ran towards Wu Lian'er's courtyard.
When she arrived, the courtyard gate was tightly shut. Infuriated, she shouted, "Wu Lian'er, come out and return the things!"
Afterward, she kicked the gate several times forcefully. Still not satisfied, she ordered people to bring wood to break down the gate.
The maids, not very strong, couldn't move the gate after several pushes. Mother Li joined in herself. Seeing from the crack in the door that they were persistent, the maids inside nodded tacitly. As they put all their strength into the next push, the maids inside cleverly removed the bolt.
The moment they rammed the door, they realized something was wrong and wanted to stop, but it was too late. They fell forward. When they looked up again, their faces were covered in flour. Without looking, they knew how disheveled they were.
Wu Lian'er pretended to be surprised and came out from inside. "What's wrong, Mother? It's been raining for days. We finally have strong sunlight today, so we brought out all the flour in storage to dry. I didn't expect Mother to fall inside. What a coincidence."
Upon seeing her, Mother Li forgot everything else and said hatefully, "You finally showed up? Quickly hand over the box."
Wu Lian'er feigned surprise and then said apologetically, "I forgot to tell Mother, my people have already taken the property and land deeds to the yamen and had them changed to my name. He should be back soon. Mother must have passed him on the way. If you have any objections, why didn't you stop him?"
"Are you talking about that man in the dark blue robe?" Mother Li tried to recall whom she had encountered on her way. The most likely person was that man with a hurried step and a large belly. At the time, she found it strange, as the man looked quite thin, yet his belly was so big. Now, recalling it, she realized it wasn't that he was fat, but that he was hiding something.
Wu Lian'er nodded with a hint of regret. "Yes, it was him."